Cultivating the skill of close reading is important and will aid you, not only in English and languages, but in all fields of your life. Analysing and understanding Literature and Poetry is a very effective start to developing the skills needed to enhance your overall understanding and critical thinking abilities. In a fast-paced, competitive world, you want to show that you stand out as an individual who shows initiative, comprehension and insight and Literature studies is the doorway through which you will be able to achieve this. Enhance your general knowledge, your understanding of other people, your reading and writing skills and how you view the world. These are only a few examples of what Literature and Poetry is able to offer you.